UPSC International Relations Quiz: Test Your Global Affairs Knowledge
As UPSC aspirants gear up for the 2026 preliminary examinations, daily subject-wise quizzes have become an essential part of their preparation strategy. The latest International Relations quiz from UPSC Essentials covers crucial global developments that every civil services candidate should master.
BRICS Grouping: India's Upcoming Presidency and Expansion
One of the key questions in today's quiz focuses on the BRICS economic grouping and India's upcoming role in this important international organization. According to the quiz details, India will assume the BRICS Presidency starting January 1, 2026, not 2027 as some might assume.
The expanded BRICS now comprises 11 member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. India plans to follow the successful model of its 2023 G20 Presidency by taking BRICS meetings and delegations across all 28 states and 9 Union Territories, potentially covering 60 cities nationwide.
International Cultural Developments: UK's Hindu Painting Export Ban
Another significant question addresses cultural preservation efforts. The United Kingdom government has placed an export ban on a remarkable collection of 56 paintings from approximately 1810 that depict key stories from Hinduism. Valued at approximately £280,000 (around ₹3.28 crore), these artworks showcase the origins and victories of Devi, the Divine Mother.
These exquisite paintings, created in the Kangra region of Punjab, feature gold and silver paint throughout scenes ranging from worship to epic battles between gods and demons. The nearly complete set includes cover sheets with Sanskrit and Hindi inscriptions describing each scene, with officials noting they remain in excellent condition despite their age.
Global Conflict Zones: Recent Developments in Gaza
The quiz also tests knowledge of current conflict zones, specifically focusing on Deir Al-Balah city and Nuseirat camp in Gaza. Recent Israeli airstrikes in these areas resulted in significant casualties, with local health authorities reporting at least 20 deaths and numerous injuries.
These attacks occurred during a fragile ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with witnesses describing how the first strike hit a car in the densely populated Rimal neighborhood, setting it ablaze. Subsequent strikes targeted residential buildings, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Technological Marvel: China's Nuclear-Resistant Floating Island
In a remarkable technological development, China is constructing the world's first mobile, floating artificial island designed to survive a nuclear explosion. This 78,000-tonne semi-submersible platform, described as a "far-sea floating mobile island," is scheduled to enter service in 2028.
The massive structure measures 138 meters long and 85 meters wide with a twin-hull design capable of operating in rough seas and withstanding extremely strong typhoons. It will accommodate up to 238 people for approximately four months without requiring external supplies, representing a significant advancement in deep-sea research capabilities.
Healthcare Initiative: IAEA's Rays of Hope Project
The quiz also covers international healthcare cooperation through the Rays of Hope project, an initiative of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO). This important program contributes directly to achieving the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 3, specifically targeting Indicator 3.4 which aims to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one-third.
The project focuses on establishing radiation safety legislation and infrastructure while providing quality control, training, and equipment with an emphasis on sustainability. With six decades of experience in cancer fight assistance, the IAEA continues to help countries build safe, secure, and effective radiation medicine capabilities.
These diverse topics demonstrate the wide-ranging knowledge required for UPSC International Relations preparation, covering political alliances, cultural heritage, conflict zones, technological innovations, and global health initiatives that shape our interconnected world.
